Specialised Supported Housing in North
at Project Little Wonder
Key Stakeholders
Summary
Project Little Wonder involved the design and construction of a three-and-a-half-storey building to provide 6 self-contained Specialised Supported Housing apartments using class C3b with staff accommodation in the roof space and a disabled parking space to meet the specific needs of intended residents with learning disabilities and/or autism.
This project was delivered in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, Westmoreland Supported Housing Limited and Harrogate Skills 4 Living. The development transformed a brownfield site into bespoke high-quality Specialised Supported Housing for vulnerable individuals.
"For most of the young people joining Little Wonder House, this represents their very first transition from living with families to stepping into independence. That initial move is a crucial milestone, and it is essential for providers to build confidence in this stage by ensuring facilities are designed around individual support needs, with the right size, layout, and access to community resources to truly promote independence. Through our partnership with Purpose Homes, we have been able to deliver exactly that in Harrogate: a much needed service that is already making a tangible difference. The impact is beginning to show in the way residents are developing greater self advocacy, making more independent decisions, and building responsibility for the life skills required to run their own home. Young people are reporting that they feel happy, settled, and thriving in this environment, which is a powerful testament to the value of the project" - Julia Moor, Interim CEO, HS4LC
This project was delivered in partnership with North Yorkshire Council, Westmoreland Supported Housing Limited and Harrogate Skills 4 Living. The development transformed a brownfield site into bespoke high-quality Specialised Supported Housing for vulnerable individuals.
"For most of the young people joining Little Wonder House, this represents their very first transition from living with families to stepping into independence. That initial move is a crucial milestone, and it is essential for providers to build confidence in this stage by ensuring facilities are designed around individual support needs, with the right size, layout, and access to community resources to truly promote independence. Through our partnership with Purpose Homes, we have been able to deliver exactly that in Harrogate: a much needed service that is already making a tangible difference. The impact is beginning to show in the way residents are developing greater self advocacy, making more independent decisions, and building responsibility for the life skills required to run their own home. Young people are reporting that they feel happy, settled, and thriving in this environment, which is a powerful testament to the value of the project" - Julia Moor, Interim CEO, HS4LC
Resident's story
I would recommend Supported Housing to others, it’s fun, I like being independent. I think it took me probably like a week to settle, maybe not even that long.
I like living with my friends, I like having my own flat, it’s good, I can do like whatever on my own. But then I’ve still got other people around.
The staff are good; I’ve got good staff. The older staff are all like extra parents but not in an annoying mum way, the younger staff are like extra friends.
The works included
Demolition of the existing building to develop a new three-and-half-story building.
Provide self-contained accommodations to ensure comfortable, calm, modern independent living with communal areas and associated car parking.
Support staff accommodation is provided in the roof with office and welfare facilities along with separate sleep over accommodation.
Fire Alarm System to support the building evacuation strategy for specialised supported housing. This includes enhanced smoke and heat detection within each apartment.
Installation of a new door control entry system connected to the fire alarm to ensure the safety and security of the resident
Supply & installation of an EV charger point as per planning requirements.
Wood effect plank vinyl flooring throughout the apartment's living spaces and communal areas.
Achieved an EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) rating of B for each flat with the aid of Dimplex Edel Air source cylinders and space heater.
Each apartment is installed with Induction hobs, electric under-counter ovens, fridge freezer and washer-driers.
All apartments are fitted with LED downlighters.